In the planning papers, Mr Edmunds wrote: It is proposed to demolish the existing buildings on the site and create a residential-led mixed-use development within a series of buildings set within a wider landscape masterplan content.

It continues: "The designs were reviewed following the negative viability report for 100 per cent housing on the site. In December 2016, a meeting with B&NES (Council) took place to discuss moving the project forward in a manner which would be financially deliverable avoiding potentially a redundant site as the current use will be relocated in the near future.

"A mixed use project was tabled to promote a more viable solution by providing alternative land uses on the site including housing, retail and student accommodation. The feedback from the planning department deemed that this approach could prove fruitful but the key to the solution was to maximise the housing potential on the site in balance with the other uses."